How much do you really know about dyslexia? Complete this questionnaire and then study the answers below:
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS:
2. Dyslexia is a sign of low intelligence.
False — dyslexia affects reading and spelling, not intelligence.
1. B — FALSE
Dyslexia is not an intelligence problem. People with dyslexia can have a wide range of intellectual abilities. Reading difficulty should never be used as a measure of intelligence.
3. People with dyslexia see letters and words backwards.
No — some learners with dyslexia may reverse or confuse letters, but this is not experienced by all learners with dyslexia and is not unique to dyslexia.
2. C — MYTH
People with dyslexia do not simply “see letters and words backwards.” Some people with dyslexia may reverse or confuse letters such as b and d, but this is not experienced by everyone with dyslexia. Letter reversals can also occur in young children who do not have dyslexia.
4. Which statement about dyslexia and effort is TRUE?
Learners with dyslexia may actually work harder than their classmates to keep up.
3. C — TRUE
Dyslexia is not caused by laziness. Some learners with dyslexia may have to put considerably more effort into reading and writing tasks simply to keep up with their peers.
5. Dyslexia only affects reading.
False — difficulties may also involve spelling, writing and skills such as processing speed and working memory.
4. B — FALSE
Reading is central to dyslexia, but difficulties can extend to spelling and writing. Some people with dyslexia may also experience challenges involving working memory, processing speed, sequencing or other skills involved in learning.
6. Which statement about dyslexia is most accurate?
Dyslexia exists on a continuum, so its effects can vary considerably from one person to another.
5. B — TRUE
Dyslexia exists on a continuum, rather than fitting neatly into fixed categories. Two people with dyslexia can experience very different types and degrees of difficulty, so individual strengths and weaknesses are more informative than simply labelling dyslexia as mild, moderate or severe.
7. Dyslexia can run in families.
True — family history is an important risk factor.
6. A — TRUE
Dyslexia often runs in families. Genetics can contribute to a person’s risk, although there is no single “dyslexia gene.”
8. Children will eventually “grow out of” dyslexia.
False — children do not simply grow out of dyslexia, although appropriate intervention and support can significantly improve reading skills.
7. C — MYTH
Children do not simply grow out of dyslexia. However, appropriate intervention and support can help people with dyslexia develop much stronger reading and writing skills.
9. Why is early identification and intervention important?
Because early support can improve learning outcomes and help prevent years of unnecessary frustration.
8. A — TRUE
Early identification and appropriate intervention can improve outcomes. Waiting for a learner to fail repeatedly before offering support can allow academic difficulties and frustration to accumulate.
10. Which statement BEST summarises the truth about dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a genuine learning difficulty affecting reading and related skills, but it does not determine a person’s intelligence or potential.
9. C — TRUE
Dyslexia affects the development of reading and related skills. It is not a measure of intelligence, effort or future potential.
11. Which statement about the dyslexic brain is TRUE?
Neuroplasticity means that the brain can change and develop through learning and practice.
10. C — TRUE
The brain has the capacity to change through neuroplasticity. Learning, practice and effective intervention can improve reading performance, and the brain is more adaptable than was once believed.
9–10 correct — DYSLEXIA MYTH BUSTER!
You have an excellent understanding of dyslexia and can spot common misconceptions.
7–8 correct — DYSLEXIA AWARE
You know the key facts, although a few myths may still be hiding in there!
5–6 correct — BUILDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
You have a good starting point. A little more dyslexia awareness will help you separate fact from fiction.
0–4 correct — TIME TO BUST SOME MYTHS!
Some very common misconceptions may have caught you out. Learning the facts can make a real difference to how we understand and support people with dyslexia.
